Before the completion of the Christian Life Center at Elizabeth Baptist Church in 2011, members were already asking, “Now that we have this building, what can we do with it,” said Joel Mikell.

Mikell and his wife, Donna, are two of 14 members of CAST – Christian Artist Series Team – at Elizabeth.

“When we birthed the idea for this Christian Artist Series, it was to use the building in ways that were creative and different,” Mikell said. “We want to be good stewards and maximize the impact of the building.”

The group’s mission statement is: “to augment the music ministry by bringing to our church and our community a variety of nationally recognized Christian artists of the highest musical quality and personal integrity for the purpose of worship, inspiration, education, outreach and fellowship.”

Vonn McGee, also a member of CAST along with her husband, Mike, said being a part of the team has been a “wonderful experience.”

“It has been a blessing to see how God has worked in bringing these concerts to Elizabeth Baptist Church to minister to individuals in a powerful and unique way,” McGee said. “It has been a true joy to serve the Lord in this way, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to encourage people in their faith. The planning meetings have become a time of worship for us as a team, which has empowered us, even through some challenges that come with this type of endeavor, to keep moving forward and to trust God with the results.”

When Mikell contacts an artist’s booking agency, he begins by reading them the mission statement and talking to them about the group’s philosophy.

“Then, I describe the venue, and we get down to what the artist requires in terms of remuneration,” Mikell said. “They have a willingness to work with us, because we don’t have unlimited resources. Our goal is to keep the highest ticket price no more than $20. We have found them to be willing to work with us. It’s been a delight to work with the managers.”

The last concert of the season Nov. 17 features Southern gospel group Gold City Quartet. Gold City has produced more than 49 hit songs and more than 40 recordings, as well as earned numerous awards and nominations. The quartet has had a number one song in each of the last four decades, including “Midnight Cry,” “I’m Not Giving Up” and “He Said.”

The season started with instrumentalist Doyle Dykes in March. Dove Award-winning artist Laura Story presented a concert in May.

“The artists love the venue because of the way it is designed,” Mikell said, describing the 500-seat life center. “No one feels that they are far away from the stage. The artists feel close to the audience and they love the acoustics and the setting. The managers thank us for having the courage to do this kind of ministry.”

“That’s the level of artists we are looking at,” he said. “And that will encourage people to support this.”

Mikell said CAST has met once a month for the last two years, and their goal is to bring artists who will not only worship, but minister and inspire as well.

“If they come to one of our concerts and they are hurting, lonely or feeling anxiety, we want them to know that Elizabeth Baptist Church loves them and cares for them,” he said. “And we want to have fun, share laughter and build up the spirit.”

Want to go?

Gold City will be in concert Nov. 17 at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby. Tickets are $20 and available at the church office. Call 704-482-6339 for more information.